The Shure SM81-LC is a cardioid condenser microphone used in live sound, broadcast, and recording scenarios. It features a flat-frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz and provides a switchable low-pass filter that can be set to either 6 dB/octave or 18 dB/octave.

Other features, such as a lockable -10 dB pad and SPL handling of 146 dB (with the pad on), make the microphone well suited for a variety of situations.

This mic sports a cardioid polar pattern that helps it achieve a high level of gain before inducing feedback, ensuring the mic will work well on the stage. This polar pattern also sports excellent off-axis rejection, helping to retain isolation in live and studio recordings.

The SM81-LC offers the kind of durability one would expect from Shure as well as low susceptibility to RF issues in the field. Its steel construction ensures the mic can be used in a variety of conditions, though phantom power is required to operate the SM81-LC.

For Live Sound, Broadcast & Recording    Excellent Off-Axis Rejection    Flat Response between 20 Hz to 20 kHz    Multiple Roll-Off Filters on Low End    Handles High SPL    Rugged Design    Low Susceptibility to RFI    Lockable -10 dB Pad Switch    Rugged Construction    Includes Mic Clip, Case & Windscreen

• Uniform cardioid pick-up pattern provides lots of gain before feedback on stage, as well as rejection of off-axis sound
• Flat-frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz for accurate reproduction of sound sources  
• Selectable low-frequency response (flat, 6 dB/octave, or 18 dB/octave roll-off)
• Vinyl-coated steel construction and stainless steel screen resist wear and abuse
• High sound pressure level (SPL) handling
• Low susceptibility to RFI
• Lockable -10 dB attenuator switch
• Performs over a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions
• Phantom powered
• Rugged and reliable

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. may be dumb question but will this stand on a desk without falling over or does it need mounted?

A: The desktop stand in this product should hold up the mic properly without falling.

Q: 2. can this mic be mounted using a shure mic clip and a stand?

A: Not at all. it is designed to mount to a podium or a conference table.

Q: 3. Can the mic hang upside down with the shock mount?

A: Yes, it could hang upside down.

Q: 4. what cable to use with SM81-LC?

A: xlr3 cable! like any mic..

Q: 5. which Mic is better for talk, the shure beta87a or the shure Beta58A?

A: This is very dependent on the person who will be using it and also the area you will be using it in. Female vocals will sound very different than male vocals. Regardless on the frequency response alone, the Beta87a being a condenser it will give you much more clarity and more definition for speech. where the Beta58a will give you a more well rounded sound and will be better in louder environments. It very much depends on who and where you will be using these microphones.

Q: 6. I need to practically swallow the 831cW for it to pick up my voice. Is there a omni-directional mic that would work better? What am I doing wrong here?

A: We have not had that issue with our mic , it was purchased as an upgrade from the mic that came with our wireless unit. It was a big improvement . It has always been clipped on tie not the lapel. Cables are very sensitive on all units we have used so don't wrap them. A lot depends on receiver position & how much power you have for system.

Q: 7. can it be used with a standard 3.5 mic plug, or if it connect to an XLR can it be used with an adapter for input to a Camcorder or DSLR camera?

A: I'm using an XLR to Mini Jack cable (B&H# COCMMXF10), and I can plug it into a DSLR

Q: 8. Does this mic need power? I would like to use it with a sennheiser xswd which would require me soldering a trs tip but the sennheiser does not put out power as far as I know

A: The Audio-Technica AT831cW - Mini Cardioid Condenser Mic requires an unspecific amount of power from its connection to the AT UniPak transmitter or similar.

Q: 9. What is the best mic stand adaptor / gooseneck adaptor combination for mounting this mic or a similar gooseneck mic on a stand? The mic will be used for a church cantor and announcements. Plus, sometimes a small choir will sing around this mic. Maybe we should use a small body condenser that comes with a stand adaptor. Ideas?

A: This mic may be mounted to a desk/table stand or to a permanent flange-type mount typically used on a podium: Shure - Centraverse Desktop Base (Black) - B&H# SHCVDB ----------- Shure - A400SM - Recessed Shock Mount for Gooseneck Mics - B&H# SHA400SM

Q: 10. How do I connect this mic to a laptop?

A: You would need to use a USB audio interface that has phantom power, like the Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface for example.